India has started preparing to exercise one of the most significant democratic practices and following that nomination process for the 1st phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 started today in 102 parliamentary constituencies spreading across 21 states and Union Territories with the issuance of a notification by the Election Commission on behalf of the President.
Candidates now can file their nomination papers, marking the beginning of the electoral journey that will shape the country’s future. Aspiring candidates have until March 27 to file their nomination papers, subject to scrutiny on March 28. However, due to a festival, the last date for filing nomination in Bihar will be March 28, where voting will occur in four out of 40 seats during the first phase. Scrutiny for Bihar’s nominations will take place on March 30
The Lok Sabha Elections, are scheduled to commence on April 19 and will be concluded in seven phases, with subsequent phases taking place on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 & June 1. The counting of votes will be witnessed on June 4.
Candidates have until March 20 to withdraw their candidature, except for those in Bihar, where the deadline is extended until April 2. These timelines have set the stage for a rigorous yet transparent electoral process, ensuring fairness and accountability.
These elections hold deep significance in the Indian democratic system, as they provide citizens the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and shape the nation’s governance for the upcoming 5 years. The elections in India are not only the largest democratic exercise globally but with the involvement of over 900 million people, it is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of its democratic institution.
The states and the Union territories involved in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu, and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
As the electoral machinery springs into action, stakeholders from across the political spectrum are gearing up for an intense battle of ideas, promises, and aspirations. In the coming weeks, political rallies, campaigns, and debates will dominate the public disclosure, providing a platform for candidates to clear their vision for the nation and to engage voters on crucial issues.
Alongside the nomination process, the government has also launched the cVIGIL application empowering citizens to report electoral code violations and ensure a fair and transparent electoral environment. With a user-friendly interface, the cVIGIL app allows voters to leverage the power of technology and report instances such as voter intimidation, distribution of cash or liquor, or any other violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), directly to the Election Commission. The app’s launch highlights the Election Commission’s commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
As the citizens exercise their democratic rights and participate in the electoral process, it is essential to remain vigilant and report any instance of electoral malpractice. In the weeks leading up to the elections, citizens are encouraged to download the cVIGIL app and actively report any instances of electoral misconduct.
